Erling Haaland's gesture to Viktor Gyokeres after Man City mind games in Arsenal draw

Manchester City's star striker Erling Haaland continued his impressive form in the 2025/2026 season, netting his 13th goal in just eight matches against Arsenal on Sunday. The forward wasted no time, finding the back of the net just nine minutes into the match at the Emirates Stadium. Despite a strong start from the Gunners, Haaland swiftly concluded a rapid counter-attack, dealing an early blow to Mikel Arteta's side.

Arsenal's Noni Madueke and Martin Zubimendi both had opportunities to equalise in the first half, but were denied by a series of saves from City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Arteta made tactical changes at half-time, bringing on Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze. As the second half approached, the psychological warfare between the two rivals persisted.

The Gunners' players returned to the pitch before their City counterparts, who then made the home team wait for a few minutes. Upon re-emerging from the tunnel, Haaland appeared to engage in a brief exchange with Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres.

The Norwegian forward approached his opponent just as the second half was about to commence, patting him on the back and engaging in a conversation.

Given his stellar performance at the start of the season, Haaland is anticipated to play a crucial role in City's efforts to regain the Premier League title this season.

Similarly, Gyokeres is expected to be instrumental for Arsenal following his high-profile transfer from Sporting CP.

Since joining the club, the Swedish international has found the back of the net three times in the Premier League. He will be aiming to match the impressive tally that Haaland has racked up at City.

While Gyokeres wasn't the star of the show for Arsenal, Arteta's squad did manage to salvage a point towards the end. Gabriel Martinelli continued his return to form with a brilliant lob over Donnarumma after connecting with Eze's long pass.

Speaking after the final whistle, Arteta said: "Regardless of the result I will say the same thing. I am extremely proud of the team and the players for the way we played and dominated this game against this Man City.

"That requires compliments from my side as a coach. After that, very disappointed with the result.

"It is true that scoring at the end gives you a bit of emotion, a bit of a taste, but then I think the first thought for me was to win the game."

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